Cavs-Bulls Preseason Pre-Game Notes

Friday, October 14th, 2016

? 8:00 PM EST
? @UnitedCenter, Chicago, IL
? @FOXSportsOH, @NBATV
? @WMMS, y La Mega 87.7FM

– Cavs (2-2, preseason): After last night’s disappointing 119-94 loss to a well-rested Toronto Raptors side, Cleveland will be looking to get back on track tonight in The Windy City.

Despite a hot start in the opening minutes of play, Cleveland wasn’t able to contain Kyle Lowry’s game-high 25-point performance for the Raptors.

Tristan Thompson, who sat out of Cleveland’s previous two exhibition games with foot soreness, tallied eight points and three rebounds on 21 minutes in his return Thursday night.

Thompson spoke with the media after the loss with regards to his return, saying, “It feels great.”

LeBron James (rest) did not participate in Thursday’s loss to Toronto. Instead, James enjoyed some popcorn while watching Cleveland’s camp invites continue to compete for a spot on the roster.

Fans should expect more scheduled rest days for most of the players on Cleveland’s starting rotation.

According to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops, LeBron James, Tristan Thompson, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and Iman Shumpert are all slated to sit out of tonight’s preseason match-up in Chicago.

“It will be just like the other night against Atlanta,” Coach Lue said.

Channing Frye suffered a mild ankle sprain in Thursday’s loss to Toronto. However, X-rays on his foot came back negative.

I'm gonna be good. Just stepped on a foot. That's what I get for running so fast down the lane. (Shoulda been by the 3pt line)

— Channing Frye (@Channing_Frye) October 14, 2016

With just two preseason games remaining, Cleveland’s coaching staff and executives will be keeping a keen eye on their camp invites. Tonight’s bout will be yet another prime opportunity for players to make a final push at landing a spot on the Cavaliers’ 2016-17 roster.

* Cavaliers projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(PG) Kay Felder (5′-9″, 176 lbs)
(SG) Jordan McRae (6′-6″, 185 lbs)
(G/F) James Jones (6′-8″, 218 lbs)
(G/F) Dahntay Jones (6′-6″, 225 lbs)
(PF) Cory Jefferson (6′-9″, 218 lbs)

* Cavaliers injury report *

– (PG) Kyrie Irving (rest): Out
– (SG) Iman Shumpert (rest): Out
– (SF) LeBron James (rest): Out
– (PF) Kevin Love (rest): Out
– (PF/C) Tristan Thompson (rest): Out
– (PF/C) Channing Frye (ankle): Out

– Chicago (1-2, pre-season): This new-look Bulls squad comes into tonight’s match-up seeking continued success after their impressive 121-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, led by Dwyane Wade’s 22 points.

Many fans in Chicago were ready for a change after years of the Derrick Rose injury saga. With Wade, Robin Lopez, and Rajon Rondo as new additions, the Bulls and Head Coach Fred Hoiberg should have the pieces they need to make a serious run at the postseason.

* Bulls projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(PG) Rajon Rondo (6′-1″, 186 lbs)
(SG) Dwyane Wade (6′-4″, 220 lbs)
(G/F) Doug McDermott (6′-8″, 223 lbs)
(PF) Taj Gibson (6′-9″, 235 lbs)
(C) Robin Lopez (7′-0″, 265 lbs)

* Bulls injury report *

– (G/F) Jimmy Butler (rest): Out
– (SG) Denzel Valentine (ankle): Out
– (SF) Tony Snell (ankle): Out

* All stats and information via www.basketball-reference.com, www.rotoworld.com, www.nba.com, www.espn.com, Elias Sports Bureau, and The Associated Press *